Japan has embarked on the first-ever conversion of a helicopter escort vessel into a light aircraft carrier capable of carrying F-35B stealth fighters, marking the completion of the first phase of the transformation of this light aircraft carrier. The Japanese light carrier will pose as another significant contender against China, with the advantage of F-35B fighters enhancing the Japanese Navy’s strength. Additionally, with Japan and the United States strengthening military cooperation, all these developments are causing unease in China.
The successful conversion of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Izumo-class second vessel, JS Kaga (DDH-184), paves the way for the transformation of the helicopter escort vessel JS Izumo (DDH-183) into an aircraft carrier.
Earlier this month, the JMSDF announced the completion of the first special conversion work on JS Kaga. In a post on X, Japan showcased this light aircraft carrier, now equipped with a flight deck designed for the operation and launch of F-35 aircraft.
Admiral Sakai Yoshi, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, stated that the first phase of the conversion work on JS Kaga formally commenced at the end of the 2021 fiscal year and has been completed, taking approximately two years. Following the completion of the first phase of modifications, JS Kaga will undergo its first at-sea tests and mooring experiments, with the direct results of these trials feeding into the upcoming “second-phase conversion” of the helicopter escort vessel JS Izumo.
Yoshi also mentioned that the JMSDF will continue to push forward with “necessary modification plans” to achieve the “carrierization” of both Izumo and Kaga, enabling these two 26,000-ton behemoths to operate F-35B fighters.
The “carrier conversion” of the Izumo-class helicopter escort vessels in Japan is roughly divided into two stages. The first stage, just completed by JS Kaga, aims to expand the flight deck’s bow from a trapezoidal shape to a square similar to the America-class amphibious assault ship, while reinforcing the flight deck, laying heat-resistant decks, installing additional aircraft take-off and landing guide lights, and adding dedicated “vertical take-off positions.” The second phase of the conversion aims to modify the internal compartments, including refurbishing hangars and crew living areas to accommodate more F-35B fighters.
Regarding improvements in the internal compartments and crew waiting areas, the JMSDF stated that verification experiments and tests would need to be conducted in cooperation with the U.S. military to ultimately determine the details of the internal modifications.
On Wednesday, April 17, the JMSDF announced that the two Izumo-class helicopter escort vessels, JS Izumo and JS Kaga, along with six surface vessels, two P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, and several submarines, would set sail on May 3, leading four combat formations on a seven-month-long “2024 Indo-Pacific Expedition” (IPD24), the largest single deployment in the history of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Although Japan has a long history of aircraft carriers and was one of the first navies to effectively use aircraft carriers, the ongoing upgrades mark a milestone for the Japanese Navy in the modern maritime era.
Japan commenced a significant overhaul of its Self-Defense Forces in October 2021, forming its first amphibious unit since World War II and introducing new modern escort vessels, announcing the conversion of two Izumo-class helicopter escort vessels into light aircraft carriers.
Once both vessels can operate F-35B fighters, Japan will possess unprecedented naval combat capabilities since World War II. The JMSDF plans to complete the conversion of the two helicopter destroyers into true “carriers” by 2027.
Once these two carriers are fully operational, they are likely to become another “important challenger” to China.
As of October 2023, Japan still plans to acquire over 147 F-35s, including 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs.
The upgraded Japanese warships are similar to the U.S. Navy’s large-deck amphibious assault ships, with the Marines previously exploring the use of such ships as light “Lightning Carriers” carrying F-35B fighters.
In December 2022, then-commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet Vice Admiral Karl Thomas stated that the U.S. light “Lightning Carriers” were much more capable than any of China’s active carriers.
A light aircraft carrier can carry up to 20 aircraft, fewer than fleet carriers, which typically accommodate over 50 aircraft. However, light carriers are much cheaper and have broader utility.
“I would note that, whether from a sortie rate or sheer capability perspective, a Light Carrier with 14 F-35Bs is much more capable than any of China’s current carriers”, said Thomas.
The F-35B Lightning II is the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with advanced capabilities. In addition to serving as a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) jet, the sensor array of the F-35B allows it to act as a battle hub, transmitting information to allied forces in a broad area.
“There is no comparison between J-15 and F-35B,” said Thomas. The J-15 is China’s main carrier-based aircraft.
In addition to its stealth capabilities, the F-35B’s air combat superiority includes an engine with a maximum thrust of 43,000 pounds, far exceeding the AV-8B Harrier II’s 21,750 pounds. The operational radius of the F-35B is 1240 kilometers, surpassing the AV-8B’s 550 kilometers. Furthermore, the AV-8B is a subsonic aircraft with a maximum speed of only 0.89 Mach (about 1090 kilometers/hour), while the F-35B can reach 1.6 Mach (1960 kilometers/hour).
Amid concerns over China’s intentions towards Taiwan, the carrier conversion also presents an opportunity for an upgraded U.S.-Japan relationship, as Japan’s carriers could ultimately accommodate both American and Japanese aircraft, as demonstrated when, in October 2021, two U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs took off and landed from the deck of JS Izumo.
In 2018, Japan stated that China was trying to unilaterally and coercively change the status quo based on its claims incompatible with its own and the existing international order.
The increasing military deployments by China in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea have raised alarms within the U.S. government and Congress, while China’s ambition to build its largest navy has garnered attention from both sides of the U.S. political spectrum.
Recently, the White House hosted the first U.S.-Japan-Philippines Leaders’ Summit, with the three countries committed to upholding the Indo-Pacific order. Japan may also cooperate with Australia, the UK, and the U.S. on nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security agreement, all of which have left China uneasy.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maoning stated that Japan needs to sincerely reflect on its aggression history, cease participation in small military and security organizations, and truly embark on the path of peaceful development.
On Tuesday, April 16, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its annual Diplomatic Blue Book, highlighting that Japan faces multiple challenges from China, North Korea, and Russia, emphasizing that China continues to strengthen its military actions in the South and East China Seas, placing Japan’s security environment in its most severe post-war period.
The Blue Book stated that it is necessary to enhance deterrence by cooperating with like-minded countries, establishing a “multilayered network” centered on the Japan-U.S. alliance, including networks involving countries such as Australia, India, and NATO members.
China vehemently opposed this Blue Book from Japan’s side. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized at a press conference, stating that the Japanese documents continued to peddle baseless accusations against China, and China vehemently opposed it.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense plans to deploy F-35Bs at the New Tabaru Air Base on Kyushu Island within the 2024 fiscal year. By deploying F-35Bs at this base, Japan intends to enhance its defense capabilities for remote southern islands, including the disputed Senkaku Islands.
责任编辑：李寰宇#